CTC staff in Guildfordenjoyed a bike ride yesterday, with a variety of routes for varying tastes: a road ride led by Senior Technical Officer Chris Juden; a slower route led by Office Manager Sue Cherry; and an off-road route led by yours truly. Despite the heat, a good time was had by all, including new CEO Paul Tuohy. I do hope you manage to keep cool and carry on cycling in the heatwave many of us are experiencing.

Julie Rand, CTC Information Team

Transport of delight

CTC is pleased that the Transport Select Committee have endorsed our call for a significant increase in funding for cycling - from around £2 to £10 a head – the minimum required to ‘get Britain cycling’. The committee also agree with CTC that driver training needs to be overhauled, saying that drivers should not receive a licence until they can demonstrate their awareness of cyclists’ needs. We now urge the Government to respond to this report with a proper, long-term funding commitment to cycling in its Cycling Delivery Plan, to be published in the next few weeks.

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Angela's wings

CTC volunteer Angela doesn’t cycle much, but has benefited tremendously from working with the Wyre Wheels Inclusive Cycling Project in Lancashire. Angela, who helps with the admin, as well as greeting the riders, says: “I love it, I absolutely love it, I don’t know where I would be without this". At the time she started volunteering at Wyre Wheels, she had not left the house for a year.

A penny for them

With all the warm weather most parts of the UK is having, you may be tempted to ditch the Lycra shorts and cycle in a skirt – or even a kilt, perhaps! But as many of us know, riding a bike dressed like this can have unintentional consequences. Help is at hand, however, from the oddly-named Penny in Your Pants. All you need is a small coin, a rubber band and all will be well, allegedly.

A vintage weekend of vélos

This invention might have been of great use to many of the riders in this year’s L’Eroica Britannia. The incredible array of riders included some sporting wonderful 1950s outfits, as well as many from other stylish eras. A lovely short film of the event featured in this week’s edition of ITV 4’s The Cycle Show, which goes out at 8pm every Tuesday.

Road injustice

CTC has analysed data showing that only 80% of motorists convicted of killing another road user have their licences taken away, compared to 94% ten years ago. Despite bans being mandatory for all who cause death by driving offences, we have found 20% of those convicted don't have their licences withdrawn. CTC Road Justice campaigner Rhia has given several media interviews today.

Yorkshire's great riding

The bunting’s been taken down, the roads cleared of their chalked names and the crowds have all gone. But you can relive the memories of the grandest of all Grand Départs in a fantastic short film. Remember also to upload your favourite photos of the event to our Facebook page yet. One winner every week wins a 12-month CTC membership, until the end of Le Tour de France.

Putting a stamp on it

Who knows - perhaps the winning shots will one day feature on a set of commemorative stamps? In order to celebrate its growing enthusiasm for cycle touring, Taiwan Post recently issued a collection of four stamps, featuring some of the country’s best-loved cycle paths. Some good examples were spotted by Chris Jeggo of West Surrey CTC.

Is it a berm?

If you are a mountain biker, is all this focus on road racing leaving you feeling a bit left out? Then sign up to take part in Tidworth Bike Park’s Bermonothon on the weekend of 2-3 August. The park, which forms part of CTC’s bike park network, has six downhill tracks, a jump area and dirt trails. Entries cost £30 - note that there will be none available on the day.

There be dragons

Great cycle touring can be found in this country, of course, and where better than in the beautiful surroundings of south Wales? This year’s Welsh Festival of Cycling takes place in Llandovery, near the Brecon Beacons, from 25-28 July, with four rides per day to suit all abilities. What better way to start the summer holidays? There's lovely!

Julie Rand has edited CycleClips since 2011 and has been working at CTC in various guises since 2001.